WI vs BAN | 1st Test | Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, CREX XI

The multi-format bilateral series between Bangladesh and West Indies kicks off with a three-match Test series, starting from June 16 (Thursday). The Asian side will be embarking on a Caribbean venture for a three-match Test, ODI and T20I series each. The first Test will be played in Antigua as both sides look to return to winning ways.

Bangladesh last featured in red-ball action last month, when they locked horns against Asian rivals Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series. They were handed a 1-0 series defeat, after losing the second Test by a thumping margin of 10 wickets. The Asian side also toured South Africa in April, where they were whitewashed in the two-match Test series. 

On the other hand, things have been going well for West Indies, at least as far as red-ball cricket is concerned. The hosts claimed a narrow 1-0 series victory over England a couple of months ago. Currently, the Caribbean side is placed sixth on the World Test Championship 2021-23 table, with 30 points from three series.

Bangladesh are languishing at the bottom of the points tally, with just 16 points from eight games. The Bangla Tigers are yet to host India in the current WTC cycle. As for West Indies, they have been scheduled to tour Australia and South Africa later this year.

Bangladesh will be led by experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was given the captaincy reigns after Mominul Haque decided to step down from leadership duties. Mushfiqur Rahim will miss the tour due to personal reasons. However, the likes of Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan are all set to make a return to the Test squad.

West Indies have named a 12-man squad for the 1st Test in Antigua. Former captain Jason Holder is a notable absentee, as he has been granted leave by the West Indian Cricket Board. Kemar Roach has also been omitted from the squad following fitness concerns. Opening batter, Kraigg Braithwaite will lead the hosts’ charge once again.

The two sides have faced each other on 18 occasions in red-ball cricket. West Indies have primarily dominated the proceedings with 12 wins, with Bangladesh winning just four games. However, in recent times, the two sides have put on much more competitive displays.

Match Details:

Match: West Indies vs Bangladesh, 1st Test

Venue: North Sound, Antigua

Date & Time: June 16 at 7:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode  

Pitch Report: The pitch at North Sound is expected to favour the batters. However, fast bowlers can extract bounce from the fresh surface early in the Test. 

Head-To-Head:

Matches Played: 18

West Indies: 12

Bangladesh: 4

Squads:

Bangladesh: Mominul Haque, Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c) , Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hassan, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Mustafizur Rahman, Nurul Hasan Sohan

West Indies: Kraigg Braithwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Joshua Da Silva, Devon Thomas, Anderson Phillip, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales

Probable Playing XI:

Bangladesh: Mominul Haque, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Das (wk), Mahmudul Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mossadek Hossain, Mehidy Hassan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Ebadot Hossain 

West Indies: Kraigg Braithwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Joshua Da Silva, Anderson Phillip, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales

CREX XI Suggestion:

Wicket-Keeper: Liton Das

Batters: Jermaine Blackwood, Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Nkrumah Bonner

All-Rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Kraigg Braithwaite, Kyle Mayers

Bowlers: Mustafizur Rahman, Alzarri Joseph, Anderson Phillip 

Captain: Shakib Al Hasan

Vice-Captain: Kraigg Braithwaite